Sunderland pursuing more top class additions – report

Sunderland are currently considering offers for two defenders as they look to bolster their options at the back.

Reports suggest that they could be looking to make moves for the American Matt Besler and Italian David Astori.

Besler is an experienced defender who has played for Sporting Kansas City since 2009, making over 130 league appearances. He was also part of the U.S. national squad for the 2014 World Cup where he played in all four games, putting in a number of impressive performances.

The 27-year-old may be available at a low price with The Sunderland Echo reporting that the centre back is expected to leave his current club this summer.

Astori on the other hand has played for a number of clubs during his career. Before joining Cagliari from Milan in 2008 he had previously spent time at loan at Pizzighettone and Cremonese. The centre back has since gone on to make over 140 appearances for the side in all competitions and achieved 7 senior caps for Italy.

Sunderland are clearly in the market for defenders. Over the past few weeks they have been linked with a loan move for Chelsea youngster Kurt Zouma on loan and a permanent move for Ashley Williams. However, the Swansea captain has since signed a new contract, ending speculation that he could be set to leave the Welsh side.

They are also pursuing Marcus Alonso, who spent part of last season on loan at the club from Italian side Fiorentina. Sky Sports reported recently that the North East side have made an improved offer to land the left back.

The Black Cats are certainly short at the back. The departure of Phil Bardsley, Santiago Vergini and Alonso has deprived them of three regular starters in defence. Meanwhile, Craig Gardner’s move to West Brom and Jack Colback’s switch to Newcastle has left the club without players who are able to cover full back positions.